Established in 1830, the Law Students’ Debating Society of Ireland (LSDSI) is a student–run organisation that benefits from considerable support from King’s Inns. 

In recent years the LSDSI has acted as a student society within King’s Inns having evolved in its role from a debating society to become a society that represents all facets of student life at King’s Inns.

Auditor

Each year the student body elects an Auditor who assembles a committee with specific positions designated to oversee mooting, social activities, education and sports. The Auditor, as well as convening committee meetings, hosts an Inaugural Address each year which is normally chaired by a judge of the Supreme Court.

With over 1,000 students at any one time in King’s Inns, opportunities for team sports abound in the King’s Inns. Expressing an interest early on in the academic year is crucial to ensure the LSDSI has maximum notice to co–ordinate activities. Email sports@kingsinns.ie if you are interested in the team sports supported by King’s Inns.

Hurling

Records reveal that King’s Inns has produced many fine hurlers, including Jack Lynch, a former Taoiseach. However, it never had a hurling club. In October 2005, the Society was asked to support such an endeavour. There was certain reluctance to this as the Society was conscious of the difficulties that would be faced in fielding a team of 15 from a small student body. The challenges were enormous – no playing grounds, no playing gear and no budget. However the founders managed to get the notice of the Gaelic Athletic Association at a most senior level and had the rules changed so that they could enlist devils. They then approached the President of the High Court, the Hon. Mr. Justice Finnegan, to be their President. Support at that level spurred them on and they secured sponsorship from a number of organisations including the Society itself.

During October to December 2005 they trained hard, played a few “friendlies” and succeeded in qualifying for the Fergal Maher Cup. These rounds brought them to Belfast, Dublin and finally to Cork where they won the championship in 2006.

Email: hurling@kingsinns.ie

Tag Rugby

Tag Rugby is a new and exciting form of rugby that can be played by people of all ages and abilities. As well as being the fastest growing recreational sport in Ireland, Tag Rugby is fun, sociable and has mass appeal to both males and females aged between 20 and…. Well, how old would you say a King’s Inns student is?

Tag Rugby is a 7–a–side (12 on a squad) non–contact sport played on a grass pitch, roughly half the size of a normal rugby pitch. The aim is to score a try without being “tagged” by an opponent. The referee calls a “tag” if one of two Velcro strips attached to special tag shorts is grabbed by an opposing player. The sport is primarily about running and passing, and therefore complements a whole range of other sports. Agility, speed and good hand–eye co–ordination are more important skills than brute force and strength. An estimated 48% of Irish tag rugby participants have never played rugby union before.

Tag rugby is a great way to keep fit, meet people from other classes in college and turn out in the King’s Inns colours on a successful team! Email sports@kingsinns.ie if you are interested in taking part.